Alton Towers has launched an appeal to overturn a noise abatement order.

A judge ruled against the theme park in 2004 after a couple living nearby brought a private prosecution.

Stephen and Suzanne Roper said they had been forced to put up with excessively high noise levels from popular rides at the Staffordshire attraction.

Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court was told a judge and two magistrates would be visiting the couple's home to hear the noise for themselves.

Noise levels

Tussauds Theme Parks, which own Alton Towers, was also fined £5,000 in November 2004.

If the park fails in its appeal, bosses will have two weeks to reduce the noise levels from its mechanical rollercoasters.

Opening the appeal case on Monday the couple's barrister Stephen Hockwood QC said the court should consider the level of noise the park inflicted on its neighbours and the level of respect it should show to the Alton and Farley Conservation areas.

The Ropers told last year's hearing at North Staffordshire Magistrates' Court how late-night firework displays, concerts and corporate weekends which involved discos and loud public address systems contributed to their misery.

Alton Towers said at the time of the judgement that it did not believe the decision was representative of the level of actual complaints received or the feelings of the majority of local residents.